Westbound traffic in the Holland Tunnel was briefly shut down this afternoon when a woman got out of her vehilce and began running toward the exit, police said.

Port Authority police spokesman Joe Pentangelo said the north tube, which takes motorist from New York to New Jersey, was shut down for about 10 minutes after a 31-year-old woman had an apparent panic attack while driving.

The woman got out of her car at about 2:35 p.m. and ran on the catwalk toward the exit. Westbound traffic was temporarily stopped while police responded and brought the woman out of the tunnel, Pentangelo said.

The woman was evaluated by EMS but declined further treatment, Pentangelo added.

Traffic began moving again at 2:47 p.m. after a security sweep of the tunnel was completed, the spokesman said.